Judges 15
Leaders Prep Section
Watch this video, read these notes, and send the pre-written email (below) to your group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
Samson’s personal anger escalates to the point of international crisis. He’s now destroying land—Philistia’s most valuable resource—and killing a lot of people.
At first, this reads like a story about Samson. But really, it’s about God working through whomever He chooses…whether they know it or not.
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
The Philistines and the Israelites have a fragile co-existence. The Philistines rule over Israel, but allow Israel a certain amount of leeway…as long as they keep themselves in line. Samson is enemy number one to this delicate balance.
Read Judges 15: 1-8
This starts with, “at the time of wheat harvest.” This small detail has large implications. Philistia was a grain country, and in burning their crops, Samson effectively destroyed the region’s economic stability.
Imagine if a single person was responsible for the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis…and it was a deliberate act of terrorism.
How often do you think God operates on the geo-political level?
If God is causing the conflict, it doesn’t seem to make sense for us to pray for peace. What are we supposed to pray for, if anything?
Read Judges 15: 9-13
The Philistines encamped and made a raid. These are declarations of war. This transcends Samson’s personal life…this is now an international crisis.
Israel sends 3,000 men, not against the Philistines, but against their fellow countryman, Samson. Note that the men of Israel say they are not going to kill Samson, only that they will hand him over to their enemy.
The “two new ropes” were made of three cords and of flax. These were the strongest ropes they had…typically used to bind large creatures or for fishing nets.
Why wouldn’t Israel ask Samson to lead them in battle? Isn’t it reasonable to believe they would have won?
What was a time you tried to make friends with your enemy in order to avoid confrontation? Did it work?
Read Judges 15: 14-20
The text says “fresh jawbone,” implying that it had not dried out or hardened, making it less useful as a weapon.
Samson calls out to God for the first time in verse 18. But notice his tone…he’s making demands of God…who then still provides.
Do you think Samson knows he is chosen by God, but is still unaware that God is using him?
Have you ever believed or known, “in real time,” that God was working in your life? When was it and what was happening?